Eurasian collared dove

Often called simply as collared doves, they breed close to human habitation wherever food resources are abundant and there are trees for nesting. It is a medium sized dove, distinctly smaller than the wood pigeon, similar in length to rock pigeon but slimmer and longer-tailed. The eye is surrounded by a small area of bare skin, which is either white or yellow. The two sexes are virtually indistinguishable and juveniles differ in having a poorly developed collar and a brown iris.

These are regulars to dine at our bird table where all are welcome. Well, by us anyway, the resident blackbird often takes a different viewpoint as does the robin who pops in for a mealworm snack.

Several fights around the bird table this year. We have had to make a second area. Feathers are flying, beaks are stabbing and yet when we go out there it’s like butter wouldn’t melt. Sometimes they even do a bit of sweeping whilst they whistle… 😉